Friday, March 28, 2008

2008 Schedule Released

Apples Ready For Campaign
Season Begins on CSBC

OHNO
Nashville TN

In a hastily arranged news conference, Granny White Coed Softball League Commissioner Sam Metz interrupted his annual spring vacation in Southern California yesterday to release the highly anticipated 2008 Apples schedule.

The Apples will open the season next Weds. April 2nd at 6:00 p.m. This will mark the 3rd consecutive season that the Apples will play in the leagues first game of the season which will again this year be shown on the Coed Softball Channel.

When asked what his plans are for the remainder of his spring fling, Metz gleefully proclaimed, " I'm going to Disneyland"

2008 Apples Schedule:

4/2----------6:00
4/9----------8:00
4/16---------7:00
4/23---------6:00
4/30---------9:00
5/7----------6:00
5/14---------9:00
5/21---------8:00
5/28---------6:00
6/4----------9:00

Monday, March 17, 2008

APPLES SAFE

Near Miss In Atlanta Tornado
GMC 1 Saves the Apples

Noplacelikehome.com
Nashville

The original plan was for a leisurely drive through Georgia to their off season compound on Hilton Head Island. Instead, the Apples were faced with a harrowing adventure this past Friday's evening as they drove through an F2 tornado in downtown Atlanta.

Traveling in the team bus ( AKA GMC 1 ) the Apples narrowly averted disaster as they unexpectedly found themselves driving through Atlanta just as the freak tornado ripped havoc across the city. " It was one heck of a ride " said AGFOHF Don Bernitt as he describe the events that took place. " No doubt we knew we were driving into a storm as we made are way towards the city " added Bernitt. " I've seen a lot of wild storms and this one was different" "Picture this" continued Bernitt, "it's 10:00 at night and the skies are aglow with flashes of lighting. The odd thing was that with each flash of light you could see the sky and it was yellow versus the normal white or blue light that accompanies most lighting storms."

Little did the Apples know that they in fact were driving into the middle of a tornado that was ripping Atlanta to shreds. "It got rocky and wild " said Patty Pender as she calmed her nerves following the drive. Pender was at he wheel of GMC1 and was forced to navigate through toppled interstate signs, cars slammed against medians and other arrays of twisted metal and debris that littered I85 in the heart of Atlanta.

" I don't know what it is about Atlanta " said Bernitt as he recalled that he had also been in Olympic Park back in 1996 on the day the park was bombed during the summer Olympics. " I think the next time we want to head to Hilton Head we will take the company plane Apple 1"

Following the harrowing drive through Atlanta the Apples continued their drive as planned and within a few hours were safe and sound at their Hilton Head Estate. As is often the case following these types of storms, the Apples awoke to beautiful clear blue skies along the coast of South Carolina and began what is to be their final few days of vacation before the beginning of the 2008 Coed Softball season.

In other team news, it has been announced that the U.S. 5th Court of Appeals has ruled in favor the Apples and a previous attempt by Granny White to ban the Apples from the league has been denied. The case, which has been under a gag order since the end of last season was finally ruled on and court records will soon become public. The thrust of the case involved an attempt to deny the powerhouse Apples a right to play in the Granny White League based on the immigration status and legal residencies of several players. It is being reported that officials from the Dept. of Homeland Security and the INS testified on behalf of the Apples and that all former and current Apples have passed the requirements as mandated through eVerify.

The news of the Apple victory was announced by first baseman Christi Copous as she left the leagues winter meetings in Franklin, TN. Copous told reporters from Court TV that "it's official, the Apples will be playing again on Wednesday nights this year beginning in about three weeks"

So here we go, with Spring upon us it's that time again and it is now just a matter of time before we hear that famous cheer............... How bout them Apples.
Following a drive through the Atlanta tornado the Apples made it to the sunny beaches of Hilton Head Island

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Falcons Like Apples

USAFA Season Underway
Game One In The Books

softballisforgirls.com
Colorado Springs,CO

It may still be February but to the Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy it's SOFTBALL TIME IN COLORADO!

Playing under sunny skies and temperatures in the high 40's, the Falcons kicked off their 2008 intramural season yesterday and by games end left no doubt that we are in for one heck of a competitive season this year.

As would be expected, to a player the Falcons seemed to be in great condition and playing at mid season form already.

The Flyers were lead by Cadet Second Class Tyler Perry who pitched one of the best games in the history of the Academy. Perry struck out 10 in route to throwing the first no hitter of his storied career as a Falcon.

Along with Perry, Cadet Fourth Class Michael Oliver came ready to play yesterday and chipped in 2 RBI's to go along with a run scored. Oliver also received the games Talon Award following several spectacular plays at first base. When asked to comment about his first Coed game Oliver said " it's definitely slow pitch but it was pretty fun."

Following yesterday's game it was announced that the winner of the Spring League at the Academy will be offered a shot at taking on America's team the Apples. "It's the least we can do to help the cause " said AGFHOF Don Bernitt as he extended the offer via satellite phone to the Academy. " We look forward to kicking their butts " added Bernitt.

Rest easy America, your sons and daughters may be enduring the challenge that is life at the United States Air Force Academy, but we can take comfort in knowing that when it's all said and done they will not forget to HIT THAT BALL!

How bout them Falcons!

Friday, February 22, 2008

It's Condie!

Apples Give Presidential Endorsement
Condoleezza Rice Gets Apples Support

Simpleasthat.com
Nashville,TN

As the 2008 Presidential Primary now rounds third and heads for home, the long awaited endorsement by the Apples has been announced.

Speaking from his secluded off season home, AGFHOF Don Bernitt confirmed earlier wire reports that the Apples have decided to endorse Condoleezza Rice. " That's right, she's our pick and we look forward to attending her Inaugural Ball when she becomes President of the United States"

When asked to clarify the reasoning behind selecting Rice who is not a candidate this year Bernitt said " Well she should be, she has what it takes to bring our country together." Bernitt continued laying out the values of Rice that led to the Apple endorsement by adding "For those who are looking for a candidate who has shown the commitment to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States she as our Secretary of State has the experience to do just that." Bernitt then added, "for the academics amongst us, Rice earned a Masters Degree from Notre Dame and then her Ph.D from the University of Denver before serving as Provost of Stanford University, and finally for the democrats who are swayed by style over substance she is an African American woman."

" What more can you ask for?" said Bernitt as he was peppered by questions about the endorsement. " Of course I realize that Condie isn't going to be elected this year" concluded Bernitt. " But, when John McCain picks her to be his running mate remember where you heard it first."

In other off the field Apple news, it has been announced that the team will hold open tryouts this coming Wednesday evening. Time and location of the tryouts will be available on the Apple blog Thursday morning.

How bout them Apples!


The Apples would like to see Condoleezza Rice become the 44th President of the United States

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Apples Push For Change In U.S. Constitution

Apples Go To Washington
Time For A Change

Saywhat.com
Nashville, TN

With the 2008 Presidential Campaign now in full swing, it has been learned that the Apples have flip flopped on their previous plans to endorse a candidate and instead have shifted their attentions to the process of electing a President.

When reached at his headquarters in Nashville, AGFHOF Don Bernitt confirmed today's reports while admitting that the task about to be undertaken by the Apples was monumental.

Bernitt also confirmed earlier reports that the Apples were within a few days of publicly announcing their endorsement of Barak Obama for President. " That's right" said Bernitt when asked if the Apples had made a preliminary decision to endorse Obama. Added Bernitt, "if the people of this land think that our country and government are that bad, and if the folks think that our country's War on Terror is a farce, then let's have sweeping changes and move on."

"The way I see it" continued Bernitt " the Democrats have had enough of the Bush's and the Republicans have had enough of the Clinton's. " I say it's time to live the words of JFK and pass the torch to a new generation of Americans"

Bernitt then launched into the point of his message when he announced the Apples are looking at grass roots efforts to change the U.S. Constitution by addressing the archaic system that is the Electoral College. "I would like to think that all Americans agree that the process in it's current state is broken" said Bernitt.

When pressed for specifics about his thoughts on the Electoral College, Bernitt answered the question with a challenge to all in attendance. " Get informed, get involved and then let's talk."

It has now become clear for all to see; opening day can not get here fast enough so that we can all get back to the important things in life i.e. playing ball and having fun.

How bout them Apples

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Apples Courted For Endorsement

Apples To Enter Political Race
Endorsements Expected

Votedotcom
Nashville, TN

With the Christmas and New Years holidays in the rear view mirror it is being reported that the Apples will begin 2008 by entering the political arena and for the first time endorse presidential candidates.

Reports have the Apples being courted by several Presidential candidates from both parties in an effort to reap the media bump that would follow any endorsement by the Apples.

When asked for comment on the reports of an Apple endorsement in this years elections, AGFHOF Don Bernitt said that he was not yet ready to publicly discuss specifics on the issue. Bernitt did point out that this years election could be historic. " It has to do your heart good that hopefully America is about to begin to put our past history of prejudice and racism behind us for good"

Bernitt pointed out that of the candidates likely to succeed W, we may elect either the first black, the first woman, the first gay or the first Mormon faithed candidate to be our President. " You can't hate everybody, so the time has come to get over all prejudices and let the best candidate win" said Bernitt as he snacked on Jellybeans at a black tie fundraiser sponsored by Condleeza Rice and Joe Liberman supporters.

When pressed for a timetable on when an Apple endorsement could be expected Bernitt said that an official announcement would come only after a pending off shore business deal in is finalized.

Bernitt then asked that all Americans consider not voting in this falls election so that his vote would carry more weight in determining the next President of the United States.

How bout them Apples.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Frozen Apples

Apples Join Polar Bear Club
2008 Training Begins

Burbaby.com
Nashville, TN

With the calender now reading 2008, the Apples began their off season training regime in style by joining the world renowned Polar Bear Club.

AGFHOF Don Bernitt and starting Apple Outfielder Patty Pender were joined by Pender's high powered agent Barbara Woehnker and team batboy Hayden Todd as they took on the wintry elements of New Years Day and went for a swim in Nashville's Percy Priest Lake as part of a worldwide Jan. 1 tradition know as the Polar Bear Club.

With gusting winds that had the wind chill factor at a freezing 15 degrees the Apples took the plunge as they dove into the almost as cold 36 degree waters of Percy Priest lake.

When asked to comment on the polar plunge taken by the Apples, Dan Bernitt the father of Don, who was in Nashville to celebrate the New Year said that after some forty plus years the time has finally come for DNA testing. "There's no way that stupid SOB shares my genes" said the elder Bernitt as he sat by the roaring bonfire and sipped hot chocolate with the other onlookers in attendance.

A new year is here and perhaps another Apple tradition has been started, so here is your invitation to join the Apples next Jan. 1st for the second annual Apple Polar Bear plunge.

Have a Great 2008 and how of course... How bout them Apples!!

See photos below or on page B1 of the Tennessean. Also visit 'tennessean.com' for video of the days events

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=VIDEO

The Apples hosted the first annual Apple Polar Bear Plunge on New Years Day

"That was pretty darn cold" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt after his dive into the 36 degree waters of Percy Priest Lake.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

GOD Bless America

Apples Pained
Realize Their Good Fortune

RealLife
Nashville TN

The Apples today join the rest of the world in expressing their deepest sadness upon hearing of the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

"It feels like I've been kicked in the stomach " said Don Bernitt this morning. "It is a crying shame that we have to witness mans inhumanity to man like this." "What about peace on earth and goodwill to all" continued Bernitt

Bernitt went on to say that although he would not pretend to be able to tell anyone of the long history and struggles of the Pakistani people, he would however stand up in front of anyone and tell them that the assassination of Bhutto should be publicly condemned by all. To quote Mohandas Gandhi " Non-cooperation with evil is a sacred duty"

"As we in America enter into our political season and prepare to elect a new President, it is our duty to be individually aware that we are living in the greatest country on earth and we must all reject the violent avenues taken today in Pakistan." added Bernitt


Peace be with Benazir Bhutto and GOD bless America.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Merry Christmas from the Apples

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Nashville
Not a creature was stirring, not even an Apple;

The stockings were hung on the bat rack with care,
In hopes that opening day soon would be there.

With Tony in his new red shoes and Brooke in her cap,
the Apples had settled down for their off season nap,

The Apples were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of another undefeated season danced in their heads.

When out on Granny White Field there arose a clatter,
I jumped from my sauna to see what was the matter.

Away to the dugout I flew like a flash,
tore open the gate and threw out the starting lineup.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a dozen new balls and a case of Coors Light Beer.

Then there was a bald old Apple so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Don Bernitt

More rapid than John Jones the team they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name;
Now Keith, now Patty, now Robin and Gregs,
On Christi, On Tiffany, and Sarah and Shane

From the top of the batting order to the top of the standings,
now hit that ball,hit that ball, hit that ball all!

And then in a twinkling was heard on the dugout roof,
the prancing and pawing of Bella's little hoof.

As I spat in my hand, and was turning around,
down the dugout Commissioner Sammy Metz came with a bound.
He was dressed in Apple red from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were tarnished with seaweed and soot.

A bundle of new Apple uniforms he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a school boy just opening his pack.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
soon gave me to know that the Apples are not dead.

He spoke not a word but instead went straight to work,
and filled all the bat bags before calling the umpire a jerk.

Laying a finger aside his nose, and giving a nod out the dugout he went.
I heard him exclaim as he rounded third and was soon out of sight,

"Merry Christmas from the Apples and to all a good night."


How bout them Apples !!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

A New Apple Arrives

Holiday Season Brings A Gift
Apples Celebrate A New Life

Girlsrule
Nashville, TN

It what undoubtedly is the greatest gift of all, the Apples today announced the newest member of the Apples with the birth of Paula Grace Alexander.

Gracie as she will be known is the daughter of 2007 Apple All - Star and League MVP Shane Alexander and his wife Angela. " It is by the grace of God that Angela and I have been blessed with our beautiful daughter " said the proud father as he left the hospital to take his most special gift of the year home for her first Christmas.

The entire Apple family extends their best wishes to Shane, Angela and Gracie.

How bout them Apples !!


Paula Grace Alexander studies her dads swing as he goes through off season batting practice

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Kaylor On The Move

Apples Active In Hot Stove League
Kaylor to Join Wisekal in Arizona

Sunnyside Up
Nashville TN

As was first reported yesterday, the Apples have officially announced that last years Team Apparel Manager Tim Kaylor has accepted a similar position at the teams former Spring Training Complex in Phoenix, Arizona.

" I'm excited as heck " Kaylor said when reached for comment last night at a Nashville Christmas tree lot. " This is always a joyful time of year for me and I feel especially grateful this year for the gift of this opportunity that has come my way." When asked what he would miss the most about Nashville as he heads to the Grand Canyon State, Kalyor said " The UT Vols and the GTC. "

Kaylor will be joining Exec. V.P. Chris Wisekal who's move to Arizona was announced on this blog this past Oct. Wisekal could not be reached for comment on Kaylor's pending move which is not uncommon for Wiskeal who tends to spend a good bit of his off season drinking wine and smoking cigars in the hot tub at his sprawling Middle Tennessee home.

Of course no off season news would be complete without a word or two from AGFHOF Don Bernitt who himself is in the middle of a hectic off season of training and restructuring. When approached at the Nashville Airport before departing on a flight for Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin, Bernitt said " I'm happy for Tim, he has been a great friend of the Apples in Nashville and I will miss him." " However" added Bernitt " I've made several trips to the Valley of the Sun the past few years and now I have another reason to go"

And so the off season rolls on and the clock continues to tick, 93 days till opening day.

How bout them Apples

Kaylor (right) and Wisekal enjoyed cocktails after announcing Kaylor's move

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Apples To Hold Press Conference

Off Season Announcement Planned
Details Unknown At This Time


WhatsNext
Nashville

Sources close to the Apples are today reporting that a "major" off season announcement is pending and that an formal press conference is being planned for this week.

When contacted over the weekend for comment AGFHOF Don Bernitt denied reports that the Apples were about to announce their 2008 title sponsor. The Apples have been in high level discussions for several weeks as they work towards finalizing what is expected to be a long term naming rights deal with the team.

Bernitt, who had just finished meeting with team procurement officials responsible for the naming rights negotiations, refused to comment on the specific Apples news that is pending. "I can tell you this much " said Bernitt " this is not about our naming rights or our new stadium, it's simply news of a rooster move that will have a few folks being shuffled around." Bernitt then joined several other Apples as they watched video tapes of the recent World Hot Air Balloon Championships that were held in Phoenix, AZ. " I thought I'd take a look at Phoenix on video tape since the Titans SUCK and wont be going there for the Super Bowl " added Bernit

If recent Apple events are any indication of what is to come next then the one thing can be said for sure............ How bout them Apples!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Apples on Monday Night Football

Apples A Mile High
Denver Welcomes the Apples

SkiColorado.com
Nashville,TN

Following a weekend at the United States Air Force Academy, the Apples continued their Colorado off season tour Monday with a surprise visit to Denver's Mile High Stadium. The Apples were special guest of The National Football League and ESPN as they joined in the pomp and circumstance that is Monday Night Football. When contacted at the NFL headquarters in New York, commissioner Roger Goodell pointed out that he and Granny White Coed Softball League commissioner Sam Metz were not just league commissioners but that they also were very close friends as well. " Sammy and I go back a long way and it's always fun when we can bring our two leagues together at some level " said Goodell.

Not to be lost in the evening was the fact that the Apples happened to be in Denver when Nashville's own Tennesse Titans came to town for the Monday Night Showdown. "Yes we knew about this game before we came west " said AGFHOF Don Bernitt as he buttoned down his winter parka as the Colorado evening turned chilly when darkness arrived.. " If you remember back the Titans were an opponent of ours during the softball season and we kicked their butts when we played them so we thought the least we could do was come out here and try and root them on to a win." added Bernitt as he filled his pint size thermos with a unknown liquid.

When asked for comment following the game Bernitt said " well the Titans sucked when we played them in softball this summer and it has to be pretty damn clear to anyone who watched the game tonight that they still SUCK!" Bernitt then joined the rest of the Apples as they waded into the crowd of jeering Broncos fans as the evening at Mile High Stadium came to the end.

With that it was quick police escort back to their hotel for a quick nap and an early morning flight back to the Music City. And so it goes, another road trip on the Apples off season tour is in the books and the only thing that can be said for sure is, How bout them Apples!

PHOTOS BELOW


The fans in Denver were giddy when the Apples were spotted in the crowd at the Broncos Monday Night Game